This story is amazing in multiple respects. 1) Most people probably believe concealed handgun permits are not granted in NYC so this case should probably come as a surprise. 2) The AP rarely runs even the defensive gun use stories that get local coverage. A defenseless 56-year-old woman who was in a wheelchair should make this very newsworthy. That said, it is still a very short story. Compare it in length to cases where a gun is used in a crime.

UPDATE: Apparently the woman just had a permit to own a gun and was in the process of going to a shooting range when she was attacked. It is too bad that she doesn't have the option of protecting herself at other times as well.Also, thanks to Curt Howland for pointing out a typing mistake in my earlier post.

This woman apparently committed a number of felony crimes, in that NYC law requires, when transporting a firearm from the premises to the range (only on permitted days), that both the firearm and ammunition must be in closed, locked, and separate containers.

As noted by many other bloggers, she will probably have her "premises" permit quitely revoked once the furor and publicity have settled. It's my opinion that the NYC D.A. is simply chosing not to prosecute because it would make them appear to more idiotic than normal.

It's called the "doctrine of competing harms." Simple case: should I cross the double yellow line in the roadway (illegal in NYS) or run over the 12 nuns in my direct path :). while DOCH won't wash as a defense against illegal CCW, it can at least be raised as a defense in granny's case, although it sounds like she won't need it.